touching

[tuhch-ing]

adjective

1. affecting; moving; pathetic.

   a touching scene of farewell.

   Synonyms: piteous, poignant, stirring

2. that touches.

   Synonyms: tangent

preposition

1. in reference or relation to; concerning; about.

   He wrote touching future plans.

touching

/ ˈtʌtʃɪŋ /

adjective

1. evoking or eliciting tender feelings

   your sympathy is touching

preposition

1. on the subject of; relating to

Other Word Forms

• touchingly adverb
• touchingness noun
• untouching adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of touching¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; touch + -ing ²

Example Sentences

“I said something like, ‘They videotaped us while we’re in the showers, touching us while they pat us down,’” he recounted.

From Los Angeles Times

"It was very touching and brought back a lot of memories," he says.

From BBC

When assaulting his patients, by touching areas of their bodies that did not require treatments, Bawa would insist it was common practice and part of their recovery.

From BBC

Bouchard says that “it’s very touching and affecting” that audiences turn to the show for comfort but acknowledges it’s something he can’t focus on while the show’s in production.

From Los Angeles Times

“It can be touching, sad, happy, but it allows people to go through some of what they go through in life and not feel isolated and lonely.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• heartbreaking 
• pathetic 
• poignant 
• sad 
• stirring 
• stunning 
• wistful